Town crier to kick-start 950th anniversary celebrations despite event cancellation

Town crier Barry Heap. Photo: Tom Kolour.

An event to officially launch a year of celebrations to mark Richmond’s 950th has been cancelled to due the pandemic.

However, the town’s crier, Barry Heap, will still be in the market place at 12noon today to get the year of celebrations underway.

The Celebrate Richmond 950 team were due to be in the market place to answer questions and hear suggestions.

A programme of events was to be and 950 merchandise on sale.

St Mary’s Church Handbell Ringers were also due to perform.

However, organisers say that due to the recent tier changes, and general concerns over the worsening covid situation, they are postponing the Celebrate Richmond 950 launch event.

Events planned for the year include a community archaeology project, an exhibition showing 950 years of Richmond’s communications, a community play at the Georgian Theatre Royal, lectures pertaining to Richmond over the years, a 950 writing project, Victorian events at The Station, concerts, lectures, music, a historical market and more.

Richmond and Me is a project to create 950 pieces of written thoughts, ideas and memories of what Richmond means to the children and staff in the town’s three primary schools as well as the residents and staff from Richmond nursing and residential homes.

The writing will be displayed around the town and archived at Richmondshire Museum.

A new community woodland of 950 native trees, chosen to enhance the landscape and attract wildlife is being created.

This is planned on a one-hectare site near the Old Racecourse on land offered at a peppercorn rent by Lord Ronaldshay and Michael Sunley. The local community is encouraged to become involved in this green sanctuary for all.

Tree sponsorship and school and community group initiatives are planned.

For more information click here.

1 Comment

  1. We would like to be on a mailing list, if one exists, to be informed of events and maybe get involved, for instance in tree planting!

Comments are closed.